Evaluates: MAX2240
MAX2240 Evaluation Kit
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Quick Start
The MAX2240 EV kit is fully assembled and factory
tested. Follow the instructions in the Connections and
Setup section for proper device evaluation.
Test Equipment Required
This section lists the recommended test equipment to
verify operation of the MAX2240. It is intended as a
guide only, and some substitutions are possible:
• One RF signal generator capable of delivering at
least +5dBm of output power at the operating fre-
quency (HP 8648D, or equivalent)
• One RF power sensor capable of handling at least
+20dBm of output power at the operating frequency
(HP 8482A, or equivalent)
• One RF power meter capable of measuring up to
+20dBm of output power at the operating frequency
(HP 438A, or equivalent)
• An RF spectrum analyzer that covers the MAX2240
operating frequency range, as well as a few har-
monics (HP 8562E, for example)
• A power supply capable of up to 0.25A at +2.7V to
+5V
• An optional ammeter for measuring the supply cur-
rent
• Two 50Ω SMA cables
• One SMA 20dB pad
• A network analyzer (HP 8753D, for example) to
measure small-signal return loss and gain (optional)
Connections and Setup
This section provides a step-by-step guide to operating
the EV kit and testing the device’s function. Do not turn
on the DC power or RF signal generators until all
connections are made:
1) Connect a DC supply set to +3.2V (through an
ammeter if desired) to the VCC and GND terminals
on the EV kit. Do not turn on the supply.
2) Connect one RF signal generator to the RFIN SMA
connector; do not turn on the generator’s output.
Set the generator for an output frequency of
2.45GHz at a power level of +3dBm.
3) Connect a 20dB pad to the RFOUT SMA connector
on the EV kit. This is to prevent overloading of the
power sensor and the power meter.
4) Connect a power sensor to the 20dB pad.
5) Connect the power sensor to a power meter. Set
the power meter offset to 20dB and frequency to
2.45GHz.
6) Connect jumpers J1, J2, and J3 to short D0 and D1
to VCC. This sets the MAX2240 to its highest power
mode. The MAX2240 EV kit is shipped in this set-
ting.
7) Turn on the DC supply. The supply current should
read approximately 70mA.
8) Activate the RF generator’s output. The power
meter should read approximately +20dBm. The
supply current should increase to approximately
105mA.
9) Another method for determining gain is by using a
network analyzer (optional). This has the advantage
of displaying gain versus a swept-frequency band,
in addition to displaying input return loss. Refer to
the network analyzer manufacturer’s user manual
for setup details.
10) The additional MAX2240 power modes are set by
the jumper settings of J2 (D0) and J3 (D1). See
Table 1 in the MAX2240 data sheet for these power-
level settings.
Layout Issues
A good PC board is an essential part of an RF circuit
design. The EV kit PC board can serve as a guide for
laying out a board using the MAX2240. Keep traces
carrying RF signals as short as possible to minimize
radiation and insertion loss due to the PC board. Each
VCC node on the PC board should have its own decou-
pling capacitor. This minimizes supply coupling from
one section of the IC to another. A star topology for the
supply layout, in which each VCC node on the circuit
has a separate connection to a central VCC node, can
further minimize coupling between sections of the IC.
See the Layout section of the MAX2240 data sheet for
more information.
